Treatment Overview
LASEK in Korea (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) is a flap-free laser eye surgery designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism safely and effectively. It combines the precision of LASIK with the tissue-preserving benefits of PRK, making it ideal for patients with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or those unsuitable for traditional LASIK.
During the LASEK procedure, the epithelial layer of the cornea is loosened using a mild alcohol solution, gently lifted aside, and then an excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface to correct refractive errors. The epithelium is then repositioned and protected with a temporary contact lens to aid healing.
Korean ophthalmology centers are global leaders in AI-guided LASEK, wavefront-optimized excimer technology, and biophotonic regeneration therapy, ensuring high precision, minimal discomfort, and faster visual recovery. The result is crisp, stable vision with long-term safety and clarity.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose
- Correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism safely without flap creation.
- Provide a suitable alternative for patients with thin corneas.
- Reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- Offer a long-term solution for clear and stable vision.
Benefits
- Flap-Free Procedure: No risk of flap complications seen in traditional LASIK.
- Ideal for Thin Corneas: Safe for patients unsuitable for standard LASIK.
- Tissue Preservation: Minimal structural alteration to the cornea.
- Long-Term Stability: Reduced risk of regression or dry-eye syndrome.
- Precision Results: AI-guided laser mapping ensures exact correction.
- Enhanced Safety: Lower risk of corneal ectasia or instability.
Ideal Candidates
LASEK in Korea is ideal for:
- Adults over 18 with stable vision prescriptions for at least one year.
- Individuals with thin or irregular corneas who cannot undergo LASIK.
- People with active lifestyles or involved in contact sports.
- Patients prone to dry eyes seeking a gentler laser option.
- Those desiring permanent vision correction without flap creation.
Possible Risks & Complications
LASEK is a safe and widely performed procedure, though mild, temporary side effects may include:
- Slight discomfort or sensitivity during the early healing phase.
- Mild light sensitivity or glare at night.
- Temporary blurriness while the epithelium regenerates.
- Mild dryness for a few weeks post-surgery.
Korean clinics minimize these effects through AI-calibrated laser ablation, biophotonic healing, and oxygen-assisted corneal recovery systems for smooth, rapid healing.
Techniques & Technology Used
Core Techniques
- Epithelial Separation: The corneal epithelium is loosened with an alcohol solution and gently lifted.
- Excimer Laser Ablation: Reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors.
- AI-Guided Laser Control: Tracks micro eye movements for perfect accuracy.
- Wavefront-Guided Correction: Customizes treatment to individual eye optics.
- Protective Lens Placement: A soft lens shields the cornea during healing.
- Biophotonic Laser Therapy: Enhances regeneration and reduces inflammation.
Korea’s integration of these technologies ensures maximum precision and rapid recovery with minimal discomfort.
Treatment Process in Korea
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Comprehensive Eye Evaluation: Includes corneal thickness, topography, and wavefront analysis.
- Customized Treatment Planning: AI software designs a personalized ablation profile.
- Epithelial Loosening: Alcohol solution gently softens the corneal surface.
- Laser Reshaping: Excimer laser sculpts the cornea to correct refractive errors.
- Epithelial Repositioning: The epithelial flap is placed back over the treated area.
- Protective Lens Placement: A soft contact lens protects the eye during recovery.
The procedure typically takes 15–20 minutes per eye, and patients often notice improved vision within a few days.
Recovery & Aftercare
Aftercare Guidelines
- Use prescribed antibiotic and lubricating drops as directed.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes for two weeks.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV exposure.
- Avoid swimming, saunas, and intense workouts for 1–2 weeks.
- Attend all follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Recovery Timeline
- 3–5 Days: Epithelium regenerates and discomfort subsides.
- 1–2 Weeks: Vision sharpens and stabilizes noticeably.
- 1–3 Months: Full visual clarity and comfort achieved.
Results & Longevity
Expected Results
- Clear, natural vision without glasses or contact lenses.
- Smooth, stable corneal surface with reduced visual distortions.
- Long-term visual stability and improved contrast sensitivity.
- Minimal risk of regression or complications.
Longevity
LASEK provides permanent vision correction for most patients.
Korean clinics report success rates above 97%, with patients achieving 20/20 or better vision.
Results remain stable for decades with proper eye care and routine check-ups.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- Advanced Surface Laser Technology: Korea leads in LASEK innovation and precision.
- AI-Guided Procedures: Personalized treatments ensure outstanding accuracy.
- Minimally Invasive Excellence: Ideal for patients unsuitable for flap-based LASIK.
- Superior Healing Care: Use of PRF and biophotonic systems accelerates recovery.
- Affordable High-End Care: Costs are 40–60% lower than in Western countries.
- Multilingual Patient Services: International centers offer comprehensive support for global visitors.
Korea’s combination of AI-driven accuracy, surface-preserving laser techniques, and microsurgical precision makes it a world leader in LASEK eye surgery.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Calibrated Excimer Laser Platforms
- Wavefront-Guided Surface Ablation Systems
- Biophotonic Regenerative Therapy
- PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Healing Drops
- Oxygen-Assisted Cooling Systems
- AI Healing and Corneal Stability Tracking
- 3D Corneal Imaging & Vision Simulation
These advanced methods ensure safe, fast, and biologically stable vision correction.
Cost Range
| Treatment Package | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard LASEK | ₩1,200,000 – ₩1,800,000 | $890 – $1,330 | Surface laser correction + protective lens + aftercare |
| Custom Wavefront LASEK | ₩2,000,000 – ₩3,200,000 | $1,480 – $2,360 | AI-guided ablation + wavefront correction + follow-ups |
| Premium Regenerative LASEK | ₩3,500,000 – ₩4,800,000 | $2,590 – $3,550 | PRF healing + biophotonic therapy + long-term monitoring |
Popular Clinics
- BGN Eye Clinic (Seoul): Experts in advanced LASEK and regenerative surface laser treatments.
- B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam): Leaders in AI-guided LASEK and wavefront surface ablation.
- Dream Eye Center (Myeongdong): Specialists in customized LASEK for thin corneas.
- Olim Eye Clinic (Gangnam): Known for high-precision, flap-free surface correction.
- Eyereum Eye Clinic (Apgujeong): Offers advanced LASEK with biologic and laser-assisted recovery.
